Saturday, February 6, 2010

As Promised....A Giveaway!

Years ago, in my pre-motherhood days, I used to go to the local thrift store somewhat often and peruse the book section. Most days, I found nothing. Old textbooks. Past issues of church magazines and National Geographic. Shelves full of What to Expect When You're Expecting (I'm sure those same women donated all their maternity clothes from the 80s and 90s there, too).Reader's Digest collections. Meh. But on rare occasions, I would come across a few great finds. One of my favorite finds was an old hardcover copy of a novel I loved as a kid; it was a library copy, complete with the little card pocket and due dates from the 1960s stamped in it. Awesome.

Then I found two books that had me giggling in the book aisle of the DI - they were old homemaking books from the late fifties and early sixties. I couldn't help laughing at how it said that as a homemaker "Beauty is a duty" and how (in regard to wearing make-up) "even a barn looks better with some paint." Yes, that's an actual line from one of the books. And the pictures - how I love the pictures! (I'm sure this comes as no surprise - look at my header! Clearly, one of the inspirational factors for it). Despite feeling slightly annoyed by some aspects of book, I took them in good humor and bought both of them.

The only thing that would have made this picture better was if it is said "No" or "Don't" next to the top picture and "Yes" or "Do" by the bottom.

Whenever I returned to the thrift store, I'd always look for funny retro homemaking books first. And on one of my visits, I happened to come across another copy of one of the books I'd previously gotten - The Art of Homemaking by Daryl Hoole. Since, it only cost a dollar, I picked it up so I could give it to my mom for a good laugh. My thrift store visits became more spread out (not that I went a lot before - not a huge fan of what my husband and I call "the DI itch" from being around all those used things. Makes my skin feel weird - in a purely psychosomatic way), but as luck would have it, I found yet another copy of The Art of Homemaking. My best friend from high school was getting married, so I thought it would be funny to give it to her for her bridal shower. Since then, I've casually looked for a copy whenever we go to the thrift store (usually just around Halloween for costumes, though more often since I got Handmade Home), but never saw another copy.

That is, until a couple weeks ago.

I've never even read The Art of Homemaking until a couple days ago. I just had in my kitchen on my cookbook shelf as kitschy joke. And yes, there are parts that are kind of ridiculous, like cleaning the house in a skirt and heels, with a fresh application of lipstick. If you can get past the first few chapters about appearance (even those have a sort of merit), there is some good information how to run a household cheerfully and efficiently. But mostly, I just think retro stuff like this is funny.

So, that's what I'm giving away for my latest giveaway: your very own vintage copy of The Art of Homemaking. And to sweeten the deal even more, I'm going throw in a jar of my pluot jam(seriously, I made way too much of it this past fall). A guide to homemaking and the fruits of said homemaking - what more could you ask for?

If you want to win, simply:

Leave a comment. Maybe mention how you feel about thrift stores or tell me about anything cool or an awesome deal you've found at one (by the way, the Rockband guitar I mentioned in an earlier post, the one I picked up at the DI for two bucks totally works! They usually cost around $50-60. Cha-ching!).

For an extra entry, become a follower of my blog OR put my button on your blog (see the sidebar) OR do a blog post about the giveaway OR mention the giveaway (with a link included) on your Facebook page. For each thing you do, you get an extra entry (so, really, you could have up to five entries!). Leave a comment when you've done one of these, so I can keep track easily!

The giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 10 at midnight. I'll choose the winner randomly (via random.org) and announce the winner on Thursday, February 11.

You know how much we love the jam over here too! My kids already devoured the jar you gave us a while ago. I laughed out loud at the "DI itch" because I have always felt the same way. I remember being young and me and my little brother used to joke about it being cooties and saying "no touch backs", using crossies so you couldn't get it back at all. Funny! I still feel the same way. The DI can be a great place to find great finds you just have to be prepared for the itch that follows!

Awesome giveaway! Does eBay count as a thrift store? I'm going to say yes, I found some great deals on Christmas presents, D-Rex for $60 less than retail, and awesome Kodak camera & iPod for my 9 year old - saved about $150 buying them used.

Awesome post! I love the barn quote. I'm going to use it tonight when my hubby comes home. Of course I'm going to need to buy some lipstick first. He he he. If I don't win, I'm going to have to start looking for my own copy. Great post.

I just found out I was pregnant. I have never shopped at thrift stores before, but I think I am going to try and get maternity clothes from there instead of buying new. Any experience with this? You should do a post on homemade things you can make to take care of a new baby! Oh, and I am a follower now too!

LOL I love it. I'm totally cleaning in heels at the next available chance, just for laughs. :) I too love the book section at the DI. :) I've found tons of books I loved from my childhood for Noah there.